The Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 vs Fountaine Pajot MY5 2023 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fountaine Pajot MY5 2023 measures 42,4 feet overall (2023), giving it roughly 6,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 at 36,1 feet (2023). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fountaine Pajot MY5 2023 tips the scales at 34 171 lbs — 13 228 lbs less than the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 at 20 943 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 440 hp, the Fountaine Pajot MY5 2023 has a 190-hp advantage over the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023's 250-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fountaine Pajot MY5 2023 carries 372 gallons versus 316 gallons in the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fountaine Pajot MY5 2023 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fountaine Pajot MY5 2023 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fountaine Pajot MY5 2023 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 42,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.